2016 11/27 Sunday Hours of Prayer (1st Sunday of Advent)

Sunday Morning               

(Lauds-Prime)

(Large Hour)                                                             

7:00am,  30min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.                    [The candle is lit.]

It is not ourselves we proclaim;

We proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord.

We are servants of others, for Jesus’ sake.

Let light shine out of darkness!

For God has caused his light to shine within us!

The revelation of the light of God’s glory

in the face of Jesus Christ!     [2 Corinthians 4:5-6]

Call to this Day as Worship

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Lord, I make this day a gift to Thee.

Help me live this day to Your glory!

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm 122 and Matthew 24:36-44 & 25:1-13

Doxology [one of two options below, or other]

         [may be spoken together or sung]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below: 
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!  

         OR            
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;        

Praise him, all creatures here below;            

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;      

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.     

Reflection 
[if in Community, a leader or other member may share,
otherwise, consider reflecting using Lectio Divina]

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)]

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version]

         [traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 

and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. Amen.               OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and will be forever. Amen.

Song: Blessed Be the God of Israel 
            (Traditional; by Carl Daw)

        OR  May You Find A Light 
            (Contemporary; by The Brilliance)

Prayer

Unison Prayer

Give me a pure heart – that I may see you,

a humble heart – that I may hear you,

         a heart of love – that I may serve you,

         a heart of faith – that I may abide in you.

         A love of life and men as God loves them –

              for the sake of their infinite possibilities,

                   to wait like him

                   to judge like him without passing judgment,

                   to obey the order when it is given 

                          and never look back –

then he can use you – then, perhaps, he will use you.

And if he doesn’t use you – what matter?

In his hand, every moment has its meaning, its greatness,

         its glory, its peace, its co-inherence.

(Dag Hammarskjold, 1905-1961, Swedish economist and politician;
  2^nd Secretary General of the U.N.; Nobel Peace Prize recipient, 1961)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders,

         its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour,

can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Ignatian Exercises [or Centering Prayer or Prayer Beads opt.]

[If you are observing this time in community, a Spiritual Director can lead this time. If on your own, you can seek out a Director or follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the words printed here. We recommend use of a Spiritual Director.]

As we start a “New Year” 

(in Church reckoning we begin again at Advent)

we begin a prayer journey inspired by the Prayer Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Begin to reflect on answering “Where Am I?”

by recalling events and relationships

in which you wanted or tried to find freedom by moving.

Times when you simply “moved around the circle” to a new “where.”

Begin to jot responses in the “Where Am I?” outermost circle.

Psalm – 111

The Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those 
who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, 

and the glory, forever. Amen.

OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 
your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins 
as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial 
and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, 
and the glory are yours now and for ever. 
Amen.

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]         

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

        

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.         

[The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Sunday Afternoon          

(Sext-Nones)

(Large Hour)                                                    

3:00pm, 45 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.             [The candle is lit.]

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.

A city built on a hill can’t be hidden.

No one lights a lamp to put it under a basket.

     but on a lamp-stand

and it shines on all who are in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before all people,

that in seeing our good works

     they may glorify our Father in heaven.  

                                                 [Matt. 5:14-16]

Introduction

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the

  race, I have kept the faith.”  [2 Timothy 4:7, ESV]

“I press on toward the goal for the prize  

  of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 
                                                    [Phil. 3:14, ESV]

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great

  a cloud of witnesses,

  let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin

  which clings so closely, and let us run

  with endurance the race that is set before us.” 
                                                    [Heb. 12:1, ESV]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm – 112 and Romans13:11-14

Doxology 
[one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below: 
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! 
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!         

         OR

         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

         Praise him, all creatures here below;

         Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

         Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.     

                            

Reflection 
[if in Community, someone may share a reflection, or use Lectio Divina]

         Basic sequence for Lectio Divina:

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)]

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version]

         [traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 

and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. Amen.                  
OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and will be forever. Amen.

Prayer

Welcoming Prayer

At the hour of Nones, we are preparing to finish the day well

practicing the art of letting go, and

pondering things we must leave undone

all of which can usher us to a place of contemplating our own vulnerabilities, frailties, and mortality.

It is also a time by which we may have accumulated a lot of negative and false things as the day has gone on… and we need some healing and restoration.

We recommend “Welcoming Prayer” for this Hour (see Centering Prayer post).

1.    Focus, feel and sink into the feelings, emotions, thoughts, sensations and commentaries in your body.

2.    Welcome God in the feelings, emotions, thoughts, commentaries or sensations in your body by saying, “Welcome.”

3.    Let go by repeating the following sentences:

·        “I let go of the desire for security, affection, control.”

·        “I let go of the desire to change this feeling/sensation.”

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders, its people,

and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Psalm - 113

Song: Blessed Bethe God of Israel 
            (Traditional; by Carl Daw)

        OR  May You Find A Light 
            (Contemporary; by The Brilliance)

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those 

who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, 

and the glory, forever. Amen.   

OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 
your kingdom come,

your will be done, 
on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins 
as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial 
and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, 

and the glory are yours now and forever. 
Amen.

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]          OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:] 
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.         
                  [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Evening   (Vespers)     

(Large Hour)  5:30pm 30 min.

Call to Worship

O gracious light, pure brightness

         of the ever-living Father in heaven,

O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the end of our daily work,

         and the setting of the sun,

         and our eyes behold the vesper light,

We give you praise, O God:

         Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

O Son of God, O Giver of Life,

You are worthy at all times to be praised

         by happy voices, and to be glorified

         throughout all the worlds.          

[The “Phos Hilaron,” O Gracious Light]

Scripture with Reflection & Praise

Psalm - 146 and Isaiah 1:1-9 & 2:1-5

Doxology [one of two options below, or other… may be spoken together or sung]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below: 
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! 
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!          

         OR            
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;          

Praise him, all creatures here below;           

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;          

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 
                                

Reflection 
[if in Community, a leader or other member may share a reflection, otherwise, consider reflecting using Lectio Divina.]

1.    Lectio (Reading)

2.    Mediatio (Reflecting)

3.    Oratio (Responding)

4.    Contemplatio (Resting)]

Gloria Patri [traditional or “modern” version]

         [traditional; may be spoken together or sung]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 

 and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, 
and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. Amen.       
OR

         [“modern;” spoken together]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, 
and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, 
and will be forever.  Amen.

Prayer

Unison Prayer

Give me a pure heart – that I may see you,

a humble heart – that I may hear you,

         a heart of love – that I may serve you,

         a heart of faith – that I may abide in you.

         A love of life and men as God loves them –

              for the sake of their infinite possibilities,

                   to wait like him

                   to judge like him without passing judgment,

                   to obey the order when it is given

                           and never look back –

then he can use you – then, perhaps, he will use you.

And if he doesn’t use you – what matter?

In his hand, every moment has its meaning, its greatness,

         its glory, its peace, its co-inherence.

(Dag Hammarskjold, 1905-1961, Swedish economist and politician;

 2^nd Secretary General of the U.N.; Nobel Peace Prize recipient, 1961)

Intercessions

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Together, let us pray for…

…our family/friends/congregations.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…those who suffer and those in trouble.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the concerns of this community.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the world, its people, and its leaders.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the church universal: its leaders,

         its people, and its mission.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

…the communion of saints.

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[other intercessions, suitable for the day or the hour, can be added to the list above]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[individual concerns and joys may now be shared]

     Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.

[when all are finished sharing:]

We pray all these things

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Examen (20 min.) or Centering Prayer 
[See Examen or Centering Prayer "Practices" Posts for more....]

[If praying in community, a leader equipped to do so may “direct” the following prayer exercise. Otherwise, trust the Spirit & follow the directions on your own.]

[We recommend an Examen Prayer at either Vespers or at Compline, and Centering Prayer at the other. We will provide the same one in both places.]

Examen:

Traditional Adaptation from Ignatius’ Exercises

1.    Become Aware of God’s Presence – Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem like a blur or a jumble… ask God to bring clarity & understanding.

2.    Review the Day with Gratitude – Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys, delights, and gifts. What did you receive from others? Give? Note the small details.

3.    Pay Attention to Your Emotions – Our emotions can help us detect the movement of God’s Spirit. Reflect on your feelings throughout the day. What is God saying through them? You will find some ways you fell short. Ask forgiveness for sins, but also look more deeply… feelings of frustration may mean God is pushing you in new directions, or concern for another may be the Spirit’s prompting to reach out to them.

4.    Choose One Feature of the Day and Pray From It – Ask the Spirit to direct you to something during the day particularly important. It may involve a positive or negative feeling, or an encounter with another, or a vivid moment. It may seem insignificant. Pray about it, let God guide your prayer. Does it lead to intercession, praise, repentance, gratitude… or something else?

5.    Look Toward Tomorrow – Ask for light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to feelings that surface as you ponder tomorrow. Let these feelings guide your prayer. Seek guidance, understanding, help, hope.

Psalm 147

Song: Blessed Bethe God of Israel 
            (Traditional; by Carl Daw)

        OR  May You Find A Light 
            (Contemporary; by The Brilliance)

Lord’s Prayer & Kyrie

[traditional version – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

         and the glory, forever. Amen.             
OR

[ecumenical text – The Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father in heaven,

    hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,

    your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins 
as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial 
and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory 
are yours now and for ever. Amen.

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

[repeat as many times as desired]

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:] 
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.         
          [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]

Family Bedtime   (Hora Somni)

(Small Hour)  8:00pm

[Appendix F has full details, additional resources, etc. for this non-traditional Hour.] 

  

Sunday – Prayer Beads 
[See Prayer Practices posts on Beads or "Family"]

Night    (Compline)   

(Small Hour)   10:00pm 15 min.

The Coming of the Light

Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.               [The candle is lit]

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,

     and the light around me turn to night,”

darkness is not dark to you, O Lord;

the night is as bright as the day;

darkness and light to you are both alike.  
                                              [Psalm 139:10-11]

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19          

Reading – 2 Peter 3:1-10

Centering Prayer (20 min.)

[Keep silence in the presence of God. Pick a word or phrase to inwardly return to when thoughts or distractions interrupt your stillness. See the Centering Prayer post for more.]

and/or Examen (20 min.)

[If praying in community, a leader equipped to do so may “direct” the following prayer exercise. Otherwise, trust the Spirit & follow the directions on your own.]

[We recommend an Examen Prayer at either Vespers or at Compline, and Centering Prayer at the other. We will provide the same one in both places…see the Examen Practices post for more information.]

Examen:

Traditional Adaptation fr. Ignatius’ Exercises

1.    Become Aware of God’s Presence – Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem like a blur or a jumble… ask God to bring clarity & understanding.

2.    Review the Day with Gratitude – Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys, delights, and gifts. What did you receive from others? Give? Note the small details.

3.    Pay Attention to Your Emotions – Our emotions can help us detect the movement of God’s Spirit. Reflect on your feelings throughout the day. What is God saying through them? You will find some ways you fell short. Ask forgiveness for sins, but also look more deeply… feelings of frustration may mean God is pushing you in new directions, or concern for another may be the Spirit’s prompting to reach out to them.

4.    Choose One Feature of the Day and Pray From It – Ask the Spirit to direct you to something during the day particularly important. It may involve a positive or negative feeling, or an encounter with another, or a vivid moment. It may seem insignificant. Pray about it, let God guide your prayer. Does it lead to intercession, praise, repentance, gratitude… or something else?

5.    Look Toward Tomorrow – Ask for light for tomorrow’s challenges. Pay attention to feelings that surface as you ponder tomorrow. Let these feelings guide your prayer. Seek guidance, understanding, help, hope.

Kyrie

[The Kyrie – “Lord, have mercy” – English:]

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

[repeat as desired]   

OR

[The Kyrie in Greek:] 
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Dismissal/The Light Goes Forth

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us all! Amen.         [The candle may be carried out or extinguished]